1. Writing the 5-paragraph essay! WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!
Critical Analysis
Writing the 5-paragraph essay! WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!

2. Learning Target
I can explain and identify the components and structure of a 5-paragraph critical analysis essay.

3. The Five-Paragraph Essay
Format:
Introduction
3 body paragraphs (bulk of essay)
Conclusion
Purpose:
Practice/assess writing skills, analytical skills, etc.
Demonstrate depth and insight in a sustained fashion about one topic
Develop foundational skills that will serve as a basis for other modes of writing

4. Introduction Purpose:
To make the audience aware of the work(s) (in this case, I am Malala and October Sky)
To offer the audience some details of the work(s) as they relate to the argument
To pose an argument (response to the prompt) as a basis for analysis

5. Introduction Format: Opening sentence:
Author, title, and subject matter of the text/film
3-4 sentences of summary:
Conflict, major and minor characters, setting
Brief recap of the plot or action
Primary claim:
Address the prompt

6. Primary claim Prompt: Example primary claim:
Despite extraordinary circumstances, both Malala and Homer achieve success by overcoming obstacles in their lives. What characteristics do both Malala and Homer possess that help them to achieve this success? Be sure to explain why/how that characteristic helps them overcome these obstacles.
Example primary claim:
Although both characters face various obstacles, Malala and Homer achieve success by demonstrating perseverance, courage, and passion.

7. Body Paragraphs Secondary claim 1 (body paragraph 1)
Evidence and reasoning 1
Evidence and reasoning 2
Evidence and reasoning 3
Secondary claim 2 (body paragraph 2)
Secondary claim 3 (body paragraph 3)

8. Secondary Claim 1/Body Paragraph 1
Perseverance allows Malala and Homer to achieve their respective goals. (Secondary claim)
Homer walks eight miles (evidence 1)
Multiple attempts at rocketry (evidence 2)
Malala ignores school ban (evidence 3)

9. Evidence and Reasoning 1:
Homer walks 8 miles-
Explain exactly how, where, and why Homer and the other Rocket Boys walk 8 miles to the launch site (evidence)
Explain how and why walking 8 miles to the launch site demonstrates perseverance and helps Homer to achieve success (reasoning)

10. Evidence and Reasoning 2:
Multiple attempts at rocketry-
Explain how and why the Homer and the Rocket Boys make multiple attempts to create a working rocket (evidence)
Explain why and how these multiple attempts demonstrate perseverance and help Homer to achieve success (reasoning)

11. Evidence and Reasoning 3:
Malala ignores school ban-
Describe how Malala dresses in normal clothes (not her uniform) and walks to school despite the risk of danger due to Fazlullah’s decree that girls do not attend school (evidence)
Explain how Malala’s choice to attend school demonstrates perseverance and achieve success (reasoning)

12. Body Paragraphs 2 & 3 Secondary claim 2 (courage)
Evidence and reasoning 1
Evidence and reasoning 2
Evidence and reasoning 3
Secondary claim 3 (passion)

13. Conclusion Main purpose: to wrap up your argument
Don’t be redundant; do not repeat primary claim
Summarize the outcome of the text
Relate the ending of the text back to your topic
Relate the ending back to a universal theme; connect to humanity

14. Brainstorming
Your turn! After reviewing the prompt below, write a primary claim that addresses the prompt and articulates your argument (review the sample primary claim that we showed you today ):
Prompt:
Despite extraordinary circumstances, both Malala and Homer achieve success by overcoming obstacles in their lives. What characteristics do both Malala and Homer possess that help them to achieve this success? Be sure to explain why/how that characteristic helps them overcome these obstacles.